Article carrier and blank therfor

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least two articles each having a recess. The article carrier comprises a pair of article retention devices each comprising a flap (80) for engaging the recess of a respective one of said at least two articles to inhibit movement thereof. The flaps are hingedly connected by a respective hinged connection to one of the plurality of panels in opposition to each other. The article carrier comprises a pair of handle openings (A4) defined in said one of the plurality of panels. The handle openings and the flaps define a handle in said one of the plurality of panels.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to article carriers and to blanks forforming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the inventionrelates to a wraparound carrier having a carrying handle. Aspects of theinvention relate to an article retention structure including anengagement device for securing an upper end of an article. Additionallyor alternatively the invention relates to a wraparound carrier having adispenser feature for gaining access to the contents of the carrier.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons or articlecarriers for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in theart and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and accessa group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmentalconsiderations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from aslittle material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materialsfrom which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are thestrength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transportinglarge weights of articles. It is desirable that the carton comprises acarrying handle sufficiently strong enough to bear the load of thecarton and its contents.

It is desirable that the articles held within a carton are securely heldand protected during transportation. It is also desirable that thearticles within a carton can be readily accessed.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field ofcartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier forpackaging at least two articles each having a recess. The articlecarrier comprises a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure forsurrounding the at least two articles and a pair of article retentiondevices each comprising a flap for engaging a recess of a respective oneof said at least two articles to inhibit movement of the articles withinthe tubular structure. The flaps are hingedly connected by a respectivehinged connection to one of the plurality of panels in opposition toeach other. The article carrier comprises a pair of handle openingsdefined in said one of the plurality of panels. The handle openings andthe flaps define a handle in said one of the plurality of panels. Thehandle is coupled or connected to said one of the plurality of panels byfour arms. Each arm is provided by a region of said one of the pluralityof panels disposed or defined between one of the handle openings and oneof the flaps.

Optionally, the tubular structure is at least partially open at each endand a tubular axis is defined between said ends and wherein the hingedconnection between the flaps and the one of the plurality of panels isparallel to the tubular axis.

Optionally, the tubular structure is at least partially open at each endand a tubular axis is defined between said ends and wherein the hingedconnection between the flaps and the one of the plurality of panels isoblique to the tubular axis.

Optionally, said one of the plurality of panels is a top panel.

Optionally, the flaps are hingedly connected to said one of theplurality of panels by a hinged connection in the form of a first foldline.

Optionally, the plurality of panels include a pair of opposed side wallsand the flaps fold towards a respective one of the opposed side walls.

A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier forpackaging one or more articles each having a recess, the article carriercomprising a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure forsurrounding the one or more articles and an article retention device forengaging a recess of one of the one or more articles to inhibit movementof said article within the tubular structure, wherein the articleretention device comprises a flap hingedly connected to one of theplurality of panels, the article carrier further comprises a dispenserfeature having an access panel, and wherein the flap is hingedlyconnected to the access panel so as to provide a tear initiation devicefor the dispenser.

Optionally, the access panel is defined at an end of the articlecarrier, the access panel is defined in part by a free end edge of thearticle carrier and in part by a severable line extending from the flap.

Optionally, the access panel is defined in an intermediate portion ofthe article carrier, the access panel is defined at least in part by apair of severable lines extending from the flap, the pair of severablelines are spaced apart from each end of the article carrier.

A third aspect of the invention provides an article carrier forpackaging one or more articles each having a recess, the article carriercomprising a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure forsurrounding the one or more articles and an article retention device forengaging a recess of one of the one or more articles to inhibit movementof said article within the tubular structure, the article retentiondevice comprising a flap hingedly connected by a hinged connection toone of the plurality of panels, the flap comprising a hinged edgedefined by the hinged connection and a free edge, wherein the free edgeextends from a first end of the hinged connection to a second end of thehinged connection, and wherein the free edge is arcuate or curved acrossor along its entire extent.

Optionally, the hinged edge of the flap is disposed closer to one of apair of opposed side walls than the free edge in an unfolded condition.

Optionally, the flap, in an operative condition, is reverse folded intoface to face relationship with an inner surface of the panel to which itis hinged, when the flap is in the operative position the free edge ofthe flap is disposed closer to one of a pair of opposed side walls thanthe hinged edge.

Optionally, the hinged connection is oriented non-parallel to an openend of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the hinged connection is obliquely oriented to an open endof the tubular structure.

Optionally, the hinged connection is perpendicularly oriented withrespect to an open end of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the article retention device is located in a recess definedin an end of said one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, the top panel comprises at least one recessed end edge towhich article retention device is hingedly connected.

Optionally, the flap partially defines the at least one recessed endedge of the top panel in an unfolded condition.

Optionally, the article carrier comprises a pair of article retentiondevices at an end of said one of the plurality of panels, and whereinthe pair of article retention devices are spaced apart from each otherby a recess struck from or defined in an end edge of the top panel.

Optionally, the pair of article retention devices are hingedly connectedto the top panel by a respective fold line, said fold lines beingdivergently arranged with respect to each other.

Optionally, the flap is folded inwardly about a hinged connection tosaid one of the plurality of panels more than 90 degrees so as to besubstantially in face to face relationship with the panel to which it ishinged.

Optionally, the article retention device comprises a fold line definedin the flap and forming a keel for increasing the security of thearticle within the article carrier.

Optionally, the fold line defines in part a wing tab, the wing tabcoupled to the said one of the plurality of panels only through itshinged connection to the flap.

Optionally, the fold line is arranged to converge at an end of thehinged connection to form a vertex, and wherein a cutaway separates thewing tab from the said one of the plurality of panels, the cutawayintersects with the vertex between the hinged connection and fold line.

Optionally, the article carrier is of the wrap-around type, comprising acomposite wall formed from two panels secured together.

Optionally, the composite wall is a bottom wall of the tubularstructure.

Optionally, the flap of the article retention device is containedentirely within the footprint of said one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, the flaps of the pair of article retention devices arecontained entirely within the footprint of the top panel.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an articlecarrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming atubular structure for surrounding at least two articles each having arecess, the blank comprising a pair of article retention devices eachcomprising a flap for engaging a recess of a respective one of said atleast two articles to inhibit movement of the articles within thetubular structure, wherein the flaps are hingedly connected by arespective hinged connection to one of the plurality of panels inopposition to each other, the blank comprising a pair of handle openingsdefined in said one of the plurality of panels, the handle openings andthe flaps define a handle in said one of the plurality of panels, thehandle is coupled or connected to said one of the plurality of panels byfour arms, each arm is provided by a region of said one of the pluralityof panels disposed or defined between one of the handle openings and oneof the flaps.

Optionally, the tubular structure, in a setup condition, is at leastpartially open at each end and a tubular axis is defined between saidends and wherein the hinged connection between the flaps and the one ofthe plurality of panels is parallel to the tubular axis.

Optionally, the tubular structure, in a setup condition, is at leastpartially open at each end and a tubular axis is defined between saidends and wherein the hinged connection between the flaps and the one ofthe plurality of panels is oblique to the tubular axis.

Optionally, the flaps are hingedly connected to said one of theplurality of panels by a hinged connection in the form of a first foldline.

Optionally, the plurality of panels include a pair of opposed side wallshingedly connected to a top panel along hinged edges thereof and theflaps fold towards a respective one of the hinged edges.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an articlecarrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels forming a tubularstructure for surrounding one or more articles having a recess and anarticle retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one ormore articles to inhibit movement of said article within the tubularstructure, wherein the article retention device comprises a flaphingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, the blank furthercomprises a dispenser feature having an access panel, and wherein theflap is hingedly connected to the access panel so as to provide a tearinitiation device for the dispenser.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an articlecarrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels forming a tubularstructure for surrounding one or more articles having a recess and anarticle retention device for engaging the recess of the one of one ormore articles to inhibit movement of said article within the tubularstructure, the article retention device comprising a flap hingedlyconnected by a hinged connection to one of the plurality of panels, theflap comprising a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection and afree edge, wherein the free edge extends from a first end of the hingedconnection to a second end of the hinged connection, and wherein thefree edge is arcuate or curved across or along its entire extent.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended thatthe various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternativesset out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in thefollowing description and drawings may be considered or takenindependently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, oneembodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is anincompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from oneembodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the otherembodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted fromsaid one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement ofone or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed hereinmay be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment.Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodimentmay be omitted from that embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an articlecarrier according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an article carrier formed from the blankof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the article carrier of FIG. 2 showing adispenser in a deployed condition; and

FIG. 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming an articlecarrier according to further embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks andarticle carriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that thedisclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certainaspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent anexhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Asused herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer toembodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns.Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and articlecarriers described herein may be embodied in various and alternativeforms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may beexaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components.Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarilydescribed in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the presentdisclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable offorming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in FIG. 2, for containing andcarrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to,beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in FIG.2. The blank 10 can be assembled to form a secondary package forpackaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a plan view of another blank 110capable of forming a carton or carrier (not shown) for containing andcarrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to,beverage cans. The blank 110 can be assembled to form a secondarypackage for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier”refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various featuresof the invention, to a container 90 for engaging and carrying articlesB, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that theteachings of the invention can be applied to various product containersB, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplarycontainers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plasticsbottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, cups, pots, pouches,packets and the like.

The blanks 10, 110 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It isto be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate”includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard,corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and thelike. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may beemployed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structuredescribed in more detail below.

The packaging structures or carton 90 described herein may be formedfrom a sheet material such as paperboard. Typically, one surface of thesheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface.For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly froma finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coatingsuch as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide goodprintability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may,on the other hand, be provided with no coating or a coating. If coated,the coating layer or treatment may provide properties such as one ormore of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or otherdesired functional properties.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the blanks 10, 110 areconfigured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplaryarrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments thearrangement is an m×n matrix or array, having two rows (m=2) and threecolumns (n=3); in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articlesB are provided, and the articles B are 330 ml beverage cans.

Alternatively, the blanks 10, 110 can be configured to form a carrierfor packaging other types, number and size of articles B and/or forpackaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration forexample, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers,the articles B may be bottles or cans.

Turning to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming anarticle carrier 90 (see FIG. 2) according to an embodiment of thedisclosure. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14,16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 for forming a tubular structure. Theplurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 comprises: afirst base panel 12, a first corner or bevel panel 14, a first sidepanel 16, a second corner or bevel panel 18, a top panel 20, a thirdcorner or bevel panel 22, a second side panel 24, a fourth corner orbevel panel 26 and a second base panel 28. The plurality of panels 12,14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may be arranged in a linear series hingedone to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25,27.

In alternative embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth cornerpanels 14, 18, 22, 26 may be omitted.

Fold line 13 and fold line 27 optionally comprise cut lines or severancelines (not shown) which are collinear with the respective one of foldline 13 and fold line 27 so as to interrupt said fold line 13, 27 or becoincident therewith. Severance lines may provide shock absorbing ordamping devices proximate the base of the carton 90.

The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 may be considered to formlower portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels16, 24, or alternatively form part of the first or second base panels12, 28, to which they are hingedly connected.

The second and third corner panels 18, 22 may be considered to formupper portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels16, 24, or alternatively form part of the top panel 20.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in FIGS. 3and 4. The first and second base panels 12, 28 are engageable with oneanother in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall12/28 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementarylocking mechanism for securing the second base panel 28 to the firstbase panel 12. The second base panel 28 may comprise at least one firstpart F of the complementary locking mechanism. The first base panel 12may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary lockingmechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel 28comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the secondbase panel 28. The first base panel 12 comprises a plurality of maletabs M; and the openings in the second base panel 28 are configured toreceive a respective one of the male tabs M. The female tabs F arearranged to be displaced out of the second base panel 28 to form theopening and to bear against the male tabs M when received therein. Insome embodiments the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted;and the first and second base panels 12, 28 may be secured to each otherby other means such as but not limited to adhesive or staples.

The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described isentirely optional.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 28 may comprise atleast one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of thefirst and second base panels 12, 28 comprises two first apertures A1.Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 28 may comprise atleast one second aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of thefirst and second base panels 12, 28 comprises one second aperture A2.The first and second apertures A1, A2 may be employed to facilitateconstruction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component may engagewith the first and second apertures A1, A2 to enable the plurality ofpanels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to be tightened about a groupof articles B. The first and second apertures A1, A2 may also beemployed to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 12,28 with respect to each other or to align the first part F of thecomplementary locking mechanism with the second part M of thecomplementary locking mechanism.

The blank 10 comprises at least one first article retention device orarticle engagement structure (also referred to herein as end articleretention devices or article engagement structures) T1, T2, T3, T4 forengaging an upper end of the articles B. The blank 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 1B comprises four first article engagement structures T1,T2, T3, T4.

Each of the first article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4 comprisesa flap 70 hingedly connected to the top panel 20. A first and a secondone of the first article engagement structures T1, T2 each comprise aflap 70 hingedly connected to the top panel 20 to a first end of the toppanel 20. A third and a fourth one of the first article engagementstructures T3, T4 each comprise a flap 70 hingedly connected to the toppanel 20 to a second end of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the first and second first article engagement structuresT1, T2 are inset from a first outer edge of the blank 10.

The first and second first article engagement structures T1, T2 may beinset with respect to a first end edge of the first or second sidepanels 14, 24.

The first and second first article engagement structures T1, T2 may beinset with respect to marginal edge portions of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the first and second first article engagement structuresT1, T2 may be inset from a first free end edge of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engagement structuresT3, T4 are inset from a second outer edge of the blank 10.

The third and fourth article first engagement structures T3, T4 may beinset with respect to a second end edge of the first or second sidepanels 14, 24.

The third and fourth first article engagement structures T3, T4 may beinset with respect to marginal edge portions of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engagement structuresT3, T4 may be inset from a second free end edge of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the first article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4do not extend beyond the footprint of the top panel 20. The flaps 70 ofthe first article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4 are containedentirely within the footprint of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 do not extend beyond the ends of the top panel 20.

The flaps 70 of the first article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4do not extend beyond edges of the blank 10 defined, at least in part, bythe first and second side panels 16, 24.

Marginal portions of the top panel 20 hingedly connected to each of thefirst and second side panels 16, 24, or second and third bevel panels18, 22 when present, are equal in length to the first and second sidepanel 16, 24 (or second and third bevel panels 18, 22) and to the bottompanels 12, 28 or at least portions of the bottom panels 12, 28; said atleast portions of the bottom panels 12, 28 may be marginal portions eachbeing hingedly to one of the first and second side panels 16, 24, orfirst and fourth bevel panels 14, 26 when present.

A first recess R7 is provided in the first end of the top panel 20, theflaps 70 of the first and second first article engagement structures T1,T2 can be considered to be located in the first recess R7. The flaps 70of the first and second first article engagement structures T1, T2define in part the first recess R7 and when folded out of the plane ofthe top panel 20 increase the size of the first recess R7.

The first recess R7 is arranged to accommodate the entirety of the flaps70 and wing tabs 70 b when present.

The first recess R7 is defined only in the top panel 20 and does notextend into the first and second side panel 16, 24 or second and thirdbevel panels 18, 22.

The flap 70 of the first one of the first article engagement structuresT1 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented with respect tothe fold line 19 hinging the top panel 20 to the second corner panel 18.The fold line 71 is spaced apart from a first end edge of one of themarginal portions of the top panel 20.

The flap 70 of the second one of the first article engagement structuresT2 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented with respect tothe fold line 21 hinging the top panel 20 to the third corner panel 22.The fold line 71 is spaced apart from a first end edge of the other oneof the marginal portions of the top panel 20.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first one of the firstarticle engagement structures T1 to the top panel 20 is divergentlyarranged with respect to the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of thesecond one of the first article engagement structures T2 to the toppanel 20. The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first one of thefirst article engagement structures T1 to the top panel 20 and the foldline 71 hinging the flap 70 of the second one of the first articleengagement structures T2 to the top panel 20 define an angletherebetween the angle may be less than 120° and in some embodiments maybe around 110°. The angle may be greater than 80° and may be greaterthan 90°.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first one of the firstarticle engagement structures T1 to the top panel 20 and the fold line71 hinging the flap 70 of the second one of the first article engagementstructures T2 to the top panel 20 are arranged to diverge towards thefirst end of the top panel 20.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the first one of the firstarticle engagement structures T1 to the top panel 20 and the fold line71 hinging the flap 70 of the second one of the first article engagementstructures T2 to the top panel 20 are arranged to converge towards thecentre or middle of the top panel 20.

In this way the flap 70 of the first one of the first article engagementstructures T1 and the flap 70 of the second one of the first articleengagement structures T2 fold away from each other.

A second recess R8 is provided in the second end of the top panel 20,the flaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engagement structuresT3, T4 can be considered to be located in the second recess R8. Theflaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engagement structures T3,T4 define in part the second recess R8 and when folded out of the planeof the top panel 20 increase the size of the second recess R8.

The second recess R8 is defined only in the top panel 20 and does notextend into the first and second side panel 16, 24 or second and thirdbevel panels 18, 22.

The second recess R8 is arranged to accommodate the entirety of theflaps 70 and wing tabs 70 b when present.

The flap 70 of the third one of the first article engagement structuresT3 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented with respect tothe fold line 19 hinging the top panel 20 to the second corner panel 18.The fold line 71 is spaced apart from a second end edge of said one ofthe marginal portions of the top panel 20.

The flap 70 of the fourth one of the first article engagement structuresT4 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 71 which is obliquely oriented with respect tothe fold line 21 hinging the top panel 20 to the third corner panel 22.The fold line 71 is spaced apart from a second end edge of said otherone of the marginal portions of the top panel 20.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the third one of the firstarticle engagement structures T3 to the top panel 20 is divergentlyarranged with respect to the fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of thefourth one of the first article engagement structures T4 to the toppanel 20.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the third one of the firstarticle engagement structures T3 to the top panel 20 and the fold line71 hinging the flap 70 of the fourth one of the first article engagementstructures T4 to the top panel 20 are arranged to diverge towards thefirst end of the top panel 20.

The fold line 71 hinging the flap 70 of the third one of the firstarticle engagement structures T3 to the top panel 20 and the fold line71 hinging the flap 70 of the fourth one of the first article engagementstructures T4 to the top panel 20 are arranged to converge towards thecentre or middle of the top panel 20.

In the blank form the flaps 70 define in part free end edges of the toppanel 20. The edge portions of the top panel 20 defined by the flaps 70are arcuate or curvilinear in shape.

The flap 70 of each of the first, second, third and fourth first articleengagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4 is partially defined by at leastone cut 75, 77 which separates that flap 70 from the top panel 20.

A first cut 75 extends from a first or inner end of the fold line 71 tothe respective one of the first and second recesses R7, R8.

A second cut 77 is disposed between the flap 70 and a respective one ofthe adjacently disposed fold lines 19, 21 hinging the top panel 20 tothe first or second side panel 16, 24 (or second or third bevel panel18, 22 when present).

The first and second cut lines 75, 77 are divergently arranged withrespect to each other.

A first end edge E1/75 of the top panel 20 which extends between thefold lines 71 of the flaps 70 of the first and second first articleengagement structures T1, T2 is non-linear. It may be arcuate orcurvilinear. The end edge E1/75 is convex such that it can be consideredto define a portion of the top panel 20 protruding into the first recessR7.

At least part of the first end edge E1 of the top panel 20 extendingbetween the flaps 70 of the first and second first article engagementstructures T1, T2 is disposed at a position further from the centre ormiddle of the top panel 20 than the inner ends 71 a of the fold lines 71of those flaps 70.

A second end edge E2/75 of the top panel 20 which extends between thefold lines 71 of the flaps 70 of the third and fourth first articleengagement structures T3, T4 is non-linear. It may be arcuate orcurvilinear. The end edge E2/75 is convex such that it can be consideredto define a portion of the top panel 20 protruding into the secondrecess R8.

At least part of the second end edge E2 of the top panel 20 extendingbetween the flaps 70 of the third and fourth first article engagementstructures T3, T4 is disposed at a position further from the centre ormiddle of the top panel 20 than the inner ends 71 a of the fold lines 71of those flaps 70.

Each of the first article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4 comprisesa wing tab 70 b hingedly connected to the flap 70 by a hinged connectionin the form of a fold line 73.

The fold line 73 may form a keel when the first article engagementstructures T1, T2, T3, T4 are in use engaging an article B. The keel mayform a ridge to increase stability or rigidity of the first articleengagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4. The flap 70 and the wing tab 70 bmay adopt a non-coplanar arrangement, for example, but not limited to,when an article moves outwardly through the open end of the tubularstructure forming the article carrier B. The wing tab 70 b may fold withrespect to the flap 70.

The fold line 73 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line71 and may define an acute angle therebetween.

The wing tabs 70 b are connected only to the flaps 70 and are free fromconnection to the top panel 20 other than the indirect connection byvirtue of being coupled to the flaps 70, that is to say there is nodirect connection of the wing tabs 70 b to the top panel 20. The flaps70 interconnect the wing tabs 70 b and the top panel 20.

In the unfolded condition in the blank 10 the fold lines 73 are orientedsubstantially parallel with the fold lines 19, 21 hinging the side orupper corner panels 14, 24; 18, 22 to the top panel 20.

When the flaps 70 are folded about their respective fold line 71 intoface to face relationship with the top panel 20 the fold lines 73 may beobliquely oriented with respect to the fold lines 19, 21.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one second article retention deviceor article engagement structure (also referred to herein as intermediatearticle retention devices or article engagement structures) T5, T6 forengaging an upper end of the articles B. The blank 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 1B comprises two second article engagement structures T5,T6.

Each of the second article engagement structures T5, T6 comprises a flap80 hingedly connected to the top panel 20.

The flap 80 of the first one of the second article engagement structuresT5 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 81 which is oriented parallel with respect tothe fold line 19 hinging the top panel 20 to the second corner panel 18.

The fold line 81 of the first one of the second article engagementstructures T5 defines a hinged edge of the flap 80, in the unfoldedcondition the hinged edge is disposed closer to the fold line 19 than afree edge defined by a cut or severance line. In the folded, operable,condition the free edge of the flap 80 is disposed closer to the firstside panel 16 than the hinged edge defined by the fold line 81.

The flap 80 of the second one of the second article engagementstructures T6 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 81 which is oriented parallel withrespect to the fold line 21 hinging the top panel 20 to the third cornerpanel 22.

The fold line 81 of the second one of the second article engagementstructures T6 defines a hinged edge of the flap 80, in the unfoldedcondition the hinged edge is disposed closer to the fold line 21 than afree edge defined by a cut or severance line. In the folded, operable,condition the free edge of the flap 80 is disposed closer to the secondside panel 16 than the hinged edge defined by the fold line 81.

The fold line 81 hinging the flap 80 of the first one of the secondarticle engagement structures T5 to the top panel 20 is arrangedparallel with respect to the fold line 81 hinging the flap 80 of thesecond one of the second article engagement structures T6 to the toppanel 20.

Each of the second article engagement structures T5, T6 comprises a wingtab 80 b hingedly connected to the flap 80 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 83.

The fold line 83 may form a keel when the second article engagementstructures T5, T6 are in use engaging an article B. The keel may form aridge to increase stability or rigidity of the second article engagementstructures T5, T6. The flap 80 and the wing tab 80 b may adopt anon-coplanar arrangement, for example, but not limited to, when anarticle moves outwardly through the open end of the tubular structureforming the article carrier B. The wing tab 80 b may fold with respectto the flap 80.

The fold line 83 may be obliquely oriented with respect to the fold line81 and may define an acute angle therebetween.

The wing tabs 80 b are connected only to the flaps 80 and are free fromconnection to the top panel 20 other than the indirect connection byvirtue of being coupled to the flaps 80, that is to say there is nodirect connection of the wing tabs 80 b to the top panel 20. The flaps80 interconnect the wing tabs 80 b and the top panel 20.

In the illustrated embodiment the wing tab 80 b of the first one of thesecond article engagement structures T5 is hingedly connected to an endof the flap 80 proximate the second end of the top panel 20. The wingtab 80 b of the second one of the second article engagement structuresT6 is hingedly connected to an end of the flap 80 proximate the firstend of the top panel 20. In this way the wing tab 80 b are diagonallyopposed. In other embodiments the wing tabs 80 b may be arrangeddifferently for example they may be disposed proximate the same end ofthe top panel 20.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one heel engagement structure R1, R2,R3, R4, R5, R6 for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an articleB. The blank 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises six heel engagementstructures R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 each for engaging a respective articleB. Each of the heel engagement structures R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 issubstantially similar in construction and will be described only byreference to a first heel engagement structure R1 provided in part inthe first side panel 16 as shown in FIG. 1.

The first heel engagement structure R1 may comprise an opening. Theopening is defined in part by a heel aperture A3 and in part by a heeltab 40. The heel tab 40 is hingedly connected to the first base panel 12by fold line 41. The heel tab 40 is struck, at least in part, from thefirst corner panel 14.

The fold line 41 interrupts the fold line 13 hingedly connecting thefirst base panel 12 to the first corner panel 14. The fold line 41 maybe non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment the fold line 41 is curvedor arcuate in shape, in other embodiments it may be formed from at leasttwo linear fold lines divergently arranged with respect to each otherand contiguous with each other.

The heel tab 40 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines43 a, 43 b which may define foldable corner portions of the heel tab 40.

The first heel engagement structure R1 may comprise a pair of cut lines45 a, 45 a disposed on opposing sides of the heel aperture A3. Each ofthe cut lines 45 a, 45 a is spaced apart from the heel aperture A3. Thecut lines 45 a, 45 a may be oriented perpendicularly with respect thefold line 15. The cut lines 45 a, 45 a may cross or intersect with thefold line 15. The cut lines 45 a, 45 a may be bisected by the fold line15.

During the erection and packaging of articles B, the blank 10 ismanipulated so that each heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of arespective article B to retain said article B within the carton 90. Theheel tabs 40 are also folded to assist in retaining the articles B. Thismay be achieved by folding the first and second base panels 12, 28outwardly such that the heel tabs 40 extend inwardly, the heel tabs 40being disposed below a respective article B as the first and second sidepanels 16, 24 are folded about an article group. The first and secondbase panels 12, 28 are then subsequently folded about the base of thearticle group, and in doing so the heel tabs 40 engage with saidrespective article B and are folded with respect to the respective oneof the first and second base panels 12, 28 to which they are hingedlyconnected by fold line 41.

The heel tabs 40 facilitate securing or locking the heel or base of anarticle B in position.

The top panel 20 may comprise an optional handle structure H. The handlestructure H comprises a pair of openings. The openings may be defined atleast in part by a tab 62. In the illustrated embodiment the opening isdefined in part by a handle aperture A4 and in part by a tab 62. Theillustrated embodiment comprises a pair of tabs 62 spaced apart fromeach other. The tabs 62 are hingedly connected to the top panel 20 byfold lines 61 and are defined in part by a cut line or severance line. Afirst one of the tabs 62 is hingedly connected to the top panel 20 inopposition to a second one of the tabs 62.

The first one of the tabs 62 is arranged to be disposed above a void orgap between a first group of four adjacently disposed articles B. Thesecond one of the tabs 62 is arranged to be disposed above a void or gapbetween a second group of four adjacently disposed articles B.

The first and second groups may comprise a pair of common articles Bdisposed adjacent to each other.

The first one of the second article engagement structures T5 may bearranged to be disposed above a first one of the pair of common articlesB. The second one of the second article engagement structures T6 may bearranged to be disposed above a second one of the pair of commonarticles B.

The tabs 62 and the flaps 80 of the second article engagement structuresT5, T6 define a handle or grip region in the top panel 20. The gripregion is coupled to a surrounding region by a plurality of arms orbridging regions. The illustrated embodiment comprises four arms orbridging regions. Each arm or bridging region is defined between one ofthe tabs 62 and an adjacent one of the flaps 80.

The grip region may be coupled to the outer or end portions of the toppanel 20 by the arms or bridging regions. In this way the handle isconnected to the top panel through the arms.

The handle is defined by a pair of spaced apart handle openings and by apair of spaced apart article engaging flaps 80.

The blank 10 may comprise a dispenser, the dispenser may comprise one ormore access panels D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6. The embodiment shown in FIGS.1 and 1B comprises six access panels D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6. Each accesspanel D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 comprises a portion of the first or secondside panel 16, 24, a portion of the second or third corner panel 18, 22and a portion of the top panel 20.

Each access panel D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 is defined in part by aseverable line. Each access panel D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 may be definedin part by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29, 31.Optionally, the first side panel 16 comprises a first access panel foldline 29 extending transversely across the blank 10, in a setup conditionthe first access panel fold line 29 extends longitudinally of the carton90, that is to say in a direction parallel with a tubular axis of thetubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18,20, 22, 24, 26, 28. Optionally, the second side panel 24 comprises asecond access panel fold line 31 extending transversely across the blank10, in a setup condition the second access panel fold line 31 extendslongitudinally of the carton 90, that is to say in a direction parallelwith a tubular axis of the tubular structure formed by the plurality ofmain panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28.

A first access panel D1 (also referred to herein as an end access panel)is arranged to disposed at a first end of the carton 90 on a first sidethereof and is defined by a first severance line 51 a provided in thefirst side panel 16. The first severance line 51 a extends from thefirst access panel fold line 29 (when present) into the second cornerpanel 18 to the fold line 19 between second corner panel 18 and the toppanel 20. A second severance line 51 b provided in the top panel 20 iscontinuously arranged with the first severance line 51 a. The secondseverance line 51 b may be divergently arranged with respect to thefirst severance line 51 a. The second severance line 51 b extends fromthe point of intersection between the first severance line 51 a and thefold line 19 to the first end edge E1 of the top panel 20. The secondseverance line 51 b may extend from the point of intersection betweenthe first severance line 51 a and the fold line 19 to an innermost endof the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the first one of the first articleengagement structures T1. In this way the flap 70 of the first one ofthe first article engagement structures T1 is coupled to the firstaccess panel D1 and is at least partially removable or detachable.

The first access panel D1 may be defined in part by a first partialdepth cut 50 a. The first partial depth cut 50 a is arranged in parallelto the first severance line 51 a and extends from the first access panelfold line 29 (when present) into the second corner panel 18 to the foldline 19 between second corner panel 18 and the top panel 20. The firstpartial depth cut 50 a is disposed on a first side of the firstseverance line 51 a and may be closer to the first end of the first sidepanel 16 than the first severance line 51 a. The first access panel D1may be defined in part by a second partial depth cut 50 b. The secondpartial depth cut 50 b is arranged in parallel to the second severanceline 51 b and may extend substantially from the point of intersectionbetween the first severance line 51 a and the fold line 19 to aninnermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the first one of thefirst article engagement structures T1. The second partial depth cut 50b is disposed on a second side of the second severance line 51 b and maybe closer to the second end of the top panel 20 than the secondseverance line 51 b. In this way the first and second partial depth cuts50 a, 50 b are disposed on opposing sides of the severable linecomprising the first and second severance lines 51 a, 51 b.

A second access panel D2 (also referred to herein as an end accesspanel) is arranged to disposed at a first end of the carton 90 on asecond side thereof and is defined by a first severance line 51 aprovided in the second side panel 24. The first severance line 51 aextends from the second access panel fold line 31 (when present) intothe third corner panel 22 to the fold line 21 between third corner panel22 and the top panel 20. A second severance line 51 b provided in thetop panel 20 is continuously arranged with the first severance line 51a. The second severance line 51 b may be divergently arranged withrespect to the first severance line 51 a. The second severance line 51 bextends from the point of intersection between the first severance line51 a and the fold line 21 to the first end edge E1 of the top panel 20.The second severance line 51 b may extend from the point of intersectionbetween the first severance line 51 a and the fold line 21 to aninnermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the second one ofthe first article engagement structures T2. In this way the flap 70 ofthe second one of the first article engagement structures T2 is coupledto the second access panel D2 and is at least partially removable ordetachable.

The second access panel D2 may be defined in part by a first partialdepth cut 50 a. The first partial depth cut 50 a is arranged in parallelto the first severance line 51 a and extends from the second accesspanel fold line 31 (when present) into the third corner panel 22 to thefold line 21 between third corner panel 22 and the top panel 20. Thefirst partial depth cut 50 a is disposed on a first side of the firstseverance line 51 a and may be closer to the first end of the secondside panel 24 than the first severance line 51 a. The second accesspanel D2 may be defined in part by a second partial depth cut 50 b. Thesecond partial depth cut 50 b is arranged in parallel to the secondseverance line 51 b and may extend substantially from the point ofintersection between the first severance line 51 a and the fold line 21to an innermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the second oneof the first article engagement structures T2. The second partial depthcut 50 b is disposed on a second side of the second severance line 51 band may be closer to the second end of the top panel 20 than the secondseverance line 51 b. In this way the first and second partial depth cuts50 a, 50 b are disposed on opposing sides of the severable linecomprising the first and second severance lines 51 a, 51 b.

A third access panel D3 (also referred to herein as an end access panel)is arranged to disposed at a second end of the carton 90 on a first sidethereof and is defined by a third severance line 53 a provided in thefirst side panel 16. The third severance line 53 a extends from thefirst access panel fold line 29 (when present) into the second cornerpanel 18 to the fold line 19 between second corner panel 18 and the toppanel 20. A fourth severance line 53 b provided in the top panel 20 iscontinuously arranged with the third severance line 53 a. The fourthseverance line 53 b may be divergently arranged with respect to thethird severance line 53 a. The fourth severance line 53 b extends fromthe point of intersection between the third severance line 53 a and thefold line 19 to the second end edge E2 of the top panel 20. The fourthseverance line 53 b may extend from the point of intersection betweenthe third severance line 53 a and the fold line 19 to an innermost endof the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the third one of the first articleengagement structures T3. In this way the flap 70 of the third one ofthe first article engagement structures T3 is coupled to the thirdaccess panel D3 and is at least partially removable or detachable.

The third access panel D3 may be defined in part by a third partialdepth cut 52 a. The third partial depth cut 52 a is arranged in parallelto the third severance line 53 a and extends from the first access panelfold line 29 (when present) into the second corner panel 18 to the foldline 19 between second corner panel 18 and the top panel 20. The thirdpartial depth cut 52 a is disposed on a first side of the thirdseverance line 53 a and may be closer to the second end of the firstside panel 16 than the third severance line 53 a. The third access panelD3 may be defined in part by a fourth partial depth cut 52 b. The fourthpartial depth cut 52 b is arranged in parallel to the fourth severanceline 53 b and may extend substantially from the point of intersectionbetween the third severance line 53 a and the fold line 19 to aninnermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the third one of thefirst article engagement structures T3. The fourth partial depth cut 52b is disposed on a second side of the fourth severance line 53 b and maybe closer to the first end of the top panel 20 than the fourth severanceline 53 b. In this way the third and fourth partial depth cuts 52 a, 52b are disposed on opposing sides of the severable line comprising thethird and fourth severance lines 53 a, 53 b.

A fourth access panel D4 (also referred to herein as an end accesspanel) is arranged to disposed at a second end of the carton 90 on asecond side thereof and is defined by a third severance line 53 aprovided in the second side panel 24. The third severance line 53 aextends from the second access panel fold line 31 (when present) intothe third corner panel 22 to the fold line 21 between third corner panel22 and the top panel 20. A fourth severance line 53 b provided in thetop panel 20 is continuously arranged with the third severance line 53a. The fourth severance line 53 b may be divergently arranged withrespect to the third severance line 53 a. The fourth severance line 53 bextends from the point of intersection between the third severance line53 a and the fold line 21 to the second end edge E2 of the top panel 20.The fourth severance line 53 b may extend from the point of intersectionbetween the third severance line 53 a and the fold line 21 to aninnermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the fourth one ofthe first article engagement structures T4. In this way the flap 70 ofthe fourth one of the first article engagement structures T4 is coupledto the fourth access panel D4 and is at least partially removable ordetachable.

The fourth access panel D4 may be defined in part by a third partialdepth cut 52 a. The third partial depth cut 52 a is arranged in parallelto the third severance line 53 a and extends from the second accesspanel fold line 31 (when present) into the third corner panel 22 to thefold line 21 between third corner panel 22 and the top panel 20. Thethird partial depth cut 52 a is disposed on a first side of the thirdseverance line 53 a and may be closer to the second end of the secondside panel 24 than the third severance line 53 a. The fourth accesspanel D4 may be defined in part by a fourth partial depth cut 52 b. Thefourth partial depth cut 52 b is arranged in parallel to the fourthseverance line 53 b and may extend substantially from the point ofintersection between the third severance line 53 a and the fold line 21to an innermost end of the fold line 71 of the flap 70 of the fourth oneof the first article engagement structures T4. The fourth partial depthcut 52 b is disposed on a second side of the fourth severance line 53 band may be closer to the first end of the top panel 20 than the fourthseverance line 53 b. In this way the third and fourth partial depth cuts52 a, 52 b are disposed on opposing sides of the severable linecomprising the third and fourth severance lines 53 a, 53 b.

The blank 10 may comprise a fifth access panel D5 (also referred toherein as an intermediate access panel) is arranged to disposed atintermediate the opposed ends of the carton 90 on a first side thereof.The fifth access panel D5 may be disposed medially between the opposedends of the carton 90.

The fifth access panel D5 is defined in part by the first severance line51 a provided in the first side panel 16. The fifth access panel D5 isdefined in part by the third severance line 53 a provided in the firstside panel 16.

The first severance line 51 a extends from the first access panel foldline 29 (when present) into the second corner panel 18 to the fold line19 between second corner panel 18 and the top panel 20.

The third severance line 53 a extends from the first access panel foldline 29 (when present) into the second corner panel 18 to the fold line19 between second corner panel 18 and the top panel 20.

A fifth severance line 51 c provided in the top panel 20 is continuouslyarranged with the first severance line 51 a. The fifth severance line 51c may be divergently arranged with respect to the first severance line51 a. The fifth severance line 51 c may be divergently arranged withrespect to the second severance line 51 b. The fifth severance line 51 cextends from the point of intersection between the first severance line51 a and the fold line 19 to a first end of the fold line 81 of the flap80 of the first one of the second article engagement structures T5.

A sixth severance line 53 c provided in the top panel 20 is continuouslyarranged with the third severance line 53 a. The sixth severance line 53c may be divergently arranged with respect to the third severance line53 a. The sixth severance line 53 c may be divergently arranged withrespect to the fourth severance line 53 b. The sixth severance line 53 cextends from the point of intersection between the third severance line53 a and the fold line 19 to a second end of the fold line 81 of theflap 80 of the first one of the second article engagement structures T5.

In this way the flap 80 of the first one of the second articleengagement structures T5 is coupled to the fifth access panel D5 and isat least partially removable or detachable therewith.

The flap 80 of the first one of the second article engagement structuresT5 or the opening created upon folding of the flap 80 may serve as atear initiation device facilitating deployment of the fifth access panelD5. A user may readily engage the hinged edge of the flap 80 defined bythe fold line 81. The hinged edge of the flap 80 may be disposed above arecess in the upper end of the article B with which the flap 80 is inengagement.

The fifth access panel D5 may be defined in part by the first partialdepth cut 50 a. The fifth access panel D5 may be defined in part by thethird partial depth cut 52 a.

The fifth access panel D5 may be defined in part by a fifth partialdepth cut 50 c. The fifth partial depth cut 50 c is arranged in parallelto the fifth severance line 51 c and may extend substantially from thepoint of intersection between the first severance line 51 a and the foldline 19 to a first end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the firstone of the second article engagement structures T5.

The fifth access panel D5 may be defined in part by a sixth partialdepth cut 52 c. The sixth partial depth cut 52 c is arranged in parallelto the sixth severance line 53 c and may extend substantially from thepoint of intersection between the third severance line 53 a and the foldline 19 to a second end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the firstone of the second article engagement structures T5.

The fifth partial depth cut 50 c is disposed on a first side of thefifth severance line 51 c and may be closer to the first end of the toppanel 20 than the fifth severance line 51 c. In this way the first andfifth partial depth cuts 50 a, 50 c are disposed the same side of aseverable line comprising the first and fifth severance lines 51 a, 51c.

The second and fifth partial depth cuts 50 b, 50 c may intersectproximate the fold line 19. The second and fifth partial depth cuts 50b, 50 c may define a “V” shape. The second and fifth partial depth cuts50 b, 50 c may be divergently arranged with respect each other.

The sixth partial depth cut 52 c is disposed on a first side of thefifth severance line 51 c and may be closer to the second end of the toppanel 20 than the fifth severance line 51 c. In this way the third andsixth partial depth cuts 52 a, 52 c are disposed the same side of aseverable line comprising the third and sixth severance lines 53 a, 53c.

The fourth and sixth partial depth cuts 52 b, 52 c may intersectproximate the fold line 19. The fourth and sixth partial depth cuts 52b, 52 c may define a “V” shape. The fourth and sixth partial depth cuts52 b, 52 c may be divergently arranged with respect each other.

The blank 10 may comprise a sixth access panel D6 (also referred toherein as an intermediate access panel) is arranged to disposed atintermediate the opposed ends of the carton 90 on a second side thereof.The sixth access panel D6 may be disposed medially between the opposedends of the carton 90.

The sixth access panel D6 is defined in part by the first severance line51 a provided in the second side panel 24. The sixth access panel D6 isdefined in part by the third severance line 53 a provided in the secondside panel 24.

The first severance line 51 a extends from the second access panel foldline 31 (when present) into the third corner panel 22 to the fold line21 between third corner panel 22 and the top panel 20.

The third severance line 53 a extends from the second access panel foldline 31 (when present) into the third corner panel 22 to the fold line21 between third corner panel 22 and the top panel 20.

A fifth severance line 51 c provided in the top panel 20 is continuouslyarranged with the first severance line 51 a. The fifth severance line 51c may be divergently arranged with respect to the first severance line51 a. The fifth severance line 51 c may be divergently arranged withrespect to the second severance line 51 b. The fifth severance line 51 cextends from the point of intersection between the first severance line51 a and the fold line 21 to a first end of the fold line 81 of the flap80 of the second one of the second article engagement structures T6.

A sixth severance line 53 c provided in the top panel 20 is continuouslyarranged with the third severance line 53 a. The sixth severance line 53c may be divergently arranged with respect to the third severance line53 a. The sixth severance line 53 c may be divergently arranged withrespect to the fourth severance line 53 b. The sixth severance line 53 cextends from the point of intersection between the third severance line53 a and the fold line 21 to a second end of the fold line 81 of theflap 80 of the second one of the second article engagement structuresT6.

In this way the flap 80 of the second one of the second articleengagement structures T6 is coupled to the sixth access panel D6 and isat least partially removable or detachable therewith.

The flap 80 of the second one of the second article engagementstructures T6 or the opening created upon folding of the flap 80 mayserve as a tear initiation device facilitating deployment of the sixthaccess panel D6. A user may readily engage the hinged edge of the flap80 defined by the fold line 81. The hinged edge of the flap 80 may bedisposed above a recess in the upper end of the article B with which theflap 80 is in engagement.

Similarly, the flaps 70 of the first article engagement structures T1,T2, T3, T4 or the recesses R7, R8 may serve as a tear initiation devicesfacilitating deployment of the access panels D1, D1, D3, D4. A user mayreadily engage the hinged edge of the flap 70 defined by the fold line71. The hinged edge of the flap 70 may be disposed above a recess in theupper end of the article B with which the flap 70 is in engagement.

The sixth access panel D6 may be defined in part by the first partialdepth cut 50 a. The sixth access panel D6 may be defined in part by thethird partial depth cut 52 a.

The sixth access panel D6 may be defined in part by a fifth partialdepth cut 50 c. The fifth partial depth cut 50 c is arranged in parallelto the fifth severance line 51 c and may extend substantially from thepoint of intersection between the first severance line 51 a and the foldline 21 to a first end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the secondone of the second article engagement structures T6.

The sixth access panel D6 may be defined in part by a sixth partialdepth cut 52 c. The sixth partial depth cut 52 c is arranged in parallelto the sixth severance line 53 c and may extend substantially from thepoint of intersection between the third severance line 53 a and the foldline 21 to a second end of the fold line 81 of the flap 80 of the secondone of the second article engagement structures T6.

The fifth partial depth cut 50 c is disposed on a first side of thefifth severance line 51 c and may be closer to the first end of the toppanel 20 than the fifth severance line 51 c. In this way the first andfifth partial depth cuts 50 a, 50 c are disposed the same side of aseverable line comprising the first and fifth severance lines 51 a, 51c.

The second and fifth partial depth cuts 50 b, 50 c may intersectproximate the fold line 21. The second and fifth partial depth cuts 50b, 50 c may define a “V” shape. The second and fifth partial depth cuts50 b, 50 c may be divergently arranged with respect each other.

The sixth partial depth cut 52 c is disposed on a first side of thefifth severance line 51 c and may be closer to the second end of the toppanel 20 than the fifth severance line 51 c. In this way the third andsixth partial depth cuts 52 a, 52 c are disposed the same side of aseverable line comprising the third and sixth severance lines 53 a, 53c.

The fourth and sixth partial depth cuts 52 b, 52 c may intersectproximate the fold line 21. The fourth and sixth partial depth cuts 52b, 52 c may define a “V” shape. The fourth and sixth partial depth cuts52 b, 52 c may be divergently arranged with respect each other.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2,the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operationsin a straight line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to berotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process isnot limited to that described below and may be altered according toparticular manufacturing requirements.

A group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2 six articles B are arranged in a 2×3 array. The top panel 20 ofthe blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a topwall 20 of the carton 90.

The flaps 70 of the first article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4are folded into face to face relationship with the top panel 20. A firstpair of flaps 70 at a first one of the first and second ends of the toppanel 20 may be folded prior to folding a second pair of flaps 70 at theother one of the first and second ends of the top panel 20.

The flaps 80 of the second article engagement structures T5, T6 arefolded into face to face relationship with the top panel 20.

The flaps 70, 80 may be folded by a part of a packaging machine such asbut not limited to a passive device such as a static guide or an activedevice such as a folding wheel or by a combination of active and passivedevices.

In one example the blank 10 is oriented transversely with respect to aconveyor, such that the flaps 70 of the first and second articleengagement structures T1, T2 lead (are downstream of) the flaps 70 ofthe third and fourth article engagement structures T3, T4.

The leading flaps 70 may be folded by a static guide which retardsmovement of the flaps 70 with respect to the blank 10 to effect foldingof the flaps 70.

The trailing (upstream) flaps 70 may be folded by an active device whichaccelerates movement of the flaps 70 with respect to the blank 10 toeffect folding of the flaps 70.

The flaps 80 may be folded by a combination of an active device and astatic guide initial folding out of the plane of the top panel 20 may beexecuted by an active device, subsequent folding into face to facerelationship with an inner surface of the top panel 20 may be completedby a static guide.

Once the flaps 70 of the first article engagement structures T1, T2, T3,T4 and the flaps 80 of the second article engagement structures T5, T6are folded into face to face relationship with the top panel 20 theblank 10 is moved relative to the group of articles B so as to bedisposed over upper ends of the articles B.

The flaps 70, 80 may be received in a recess or void in the upper end ofthe articles B.

The flaps 70, 80 may be arranged to abut a portion of the articles Bproviding an abutment face or be located in close proximity to theabutment face so as to inhibit movement of the articles B with respectto the article carrier 90.

The second and third bevel panels 18, 22 (when present) are folded, withrespect to the top panel 20 about fold lines 19, 21 respectively, aboutshoulders of the group of articles B.

The first and second side panels 16, 24 are folded, with respect to thesecond and third bevel panels 18, 22 to which they are hinged about foldlines 17, 23 respectively, about opposing sides of the group of articlesB so as to be disposed about the opposing sides of the group of articlesB to form first and second side walls 16, 24 of the carton 90.

The first and fourth corner panels 14, 26 (when present) are folded,with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels16, 24 about fold lines 15, 25 respectively, about the heels or lowerportions of adjacently disposed articles B.

The heel tabs 40 may folded out of the plane of the first and fourthcorner panels 14, 26, about fold lines 41, prior to folding the firstand fourth corner panels 14, 26 the respective one of the first andsecond side panels 16, 24.

In some embodiments this is achieved by folding the first and secondbase panels 12, 28 outwardly such that the heel tabs 40 extend inwardlybelow the article group to engage one of the articles B, the first andsecond base panels 12, 28 are then folded in the opposite directionbelow the base of the article group.

The second base panel 28 is folded about the fold line 27 so as to bedisposed adjacent to the base of the group of articles B. The first basepanel 12 is then folded about the fold line 13 so as to be in at leastpartial overlapping relationship with the second base panel 28; in doingso each of the heel tabs 42 may be brought into engagement with a baseof a respective article B.

The first and second base panels 12, 28 are secured together. Each ofthe male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the secondbase panel 28. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displacedinwardly creating a corresponding opening in the first base panel 12.The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings so as tolock the first and second base panels 12, 28 together. In this way atubular structure is formed about the group of articles B.

The assembled carton 90 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The flaps 70, 80 engage a rim, chime or upstanding wall or otherprojection of the article B. When the articles B are cans the top wallof the can may be countersunk, disposed below the upper end of the sidewall or end seam of the article B. The top wall of the can is connectedto the side walls by a can chime or end seam.

The flaps 70, 80 engage an internal surface or abutment face of the rim.The flaps 70, 80 may be disposed in the recess or void provided by acountersunk top wall of the article B.

The flaps 70, 80 remain in engagement with the articles B when thecarrying handle H is in use, the flaps 70. 80 may unfold, due to theinherent resilience or elasticity of the carrier substrate, upon upwarddisplacement of the top panel 20 with respect to the group of articlesB.

The flaps 70, 80 are folded inwardly about a hinged connection 71, 81 tothe top panel 20 more than 90 degrees so as to be substantially in faceto face relationship with the top panel 20. In this way the flaps 70, 80are held in the folded condition by the respective article B which theyengage. Due to the close proximity of the top panel 20 to the upper endsof the articles B there is insufficient space to allow the flap 70, 80to unfold.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an additional embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment like numeralshave, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with theaddition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong tothe second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many commonfeatures with the first embodiment and therefore only the differencesfrom the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described indetail.

FIG. 4 illustrates a blank 110 for forming an article carrier (notshown) according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 110comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124,126, 128 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 comprises: a first basepanel 112, an optional first corner or bevel panel 114, a first sidepanel 116, an optional second corner or bevel panel 118, a top panel120, an optional third corner or bevel panel 122, a second side panel124, an optional fourth corner or bevel panel 126 and a second basepanel 128. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124,126, 128 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next bycorresponding fold lines 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127.

The blank 110 comprise upper article receiving apertures A5 defined inat least the second or third corner panel 118, 122. The blank 110comprises six upper article receiving apertures A5; three provided inthe second corner panel 118 and three provided in the third corner panel122. Each of the upper article receiving apertures A5 may be defined inthe top panel 120 and may be defined in a respective one of the firstand second side panel 116, 124.

The upper article receiving apertures A5 are shown in a substantiallytriangular form, however in other embodiments other shapes may beemployed.

It will be appreciated that the blank 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 maybe modified to incorporate the upper receiving apertures A5 shown inFIG. 4.

The blank 110 comprises at least one article retention device or articleengagement structure T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 for engaging an upper end ofthe articles B. The blank 110 illustrated in FIG. 4 comprises sixarticle engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6.

The blank 110 comprises four end article engagement structures T1, T2,T3, T4 and two intermediate article engagement structures T5, T6disposed between pairs of end article engagement structures T1, T2, T3,T4.

Each of the end article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4 comprises aflap 170 hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a fold line 171.First and second end article engagement structures T1, T2 each comprisea flap 170 hingedly connected to the top panel 120 to a first endthereof. Third and fourth end article engagement structures T3, T4 eachcomprise a flap 170 hingedly connected to the top panel 120 to a secondend thereof.

Each of the intermediate article engagement structures T5, T6 comprisesa flap 180 hingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a fold line 181.

The flaps 170 of the end article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4 donot extend beyond the footprint of the top panel 120. The flaps 170 ofthe end article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4 are containedentirely within the footprint of the top panel 120.

The flaps 170 do not extend beyond the ends of the top panel 120.

The flaps 170 of the end article engagement structures T1, T2, T3, T4 donot extend beyond edges of the blank 110 defined, at least in part, bythe first and second side panels 116, 124.

Marginal portions of the top panel 120 hingedly connected to each of thefirst and second side panels 116, 124, or second and third bevel panels118, 122 when present, are equal in length to the first and second sidepanel 116, 124 (or second and third bevel panels 118, 122) and to thebottom panels 112, 128 or at least portions of the bottom panels 112,128; said at least portions of the bottom panels 112, 128 may bemarginal portions each being hingedly to one of the first and secondside panels 116, 124, or first and fourth bevel panels 114, 126 whenpresent.

A first recess R7 is provided in the first end of the top panel 120, theflaps 170 of first and second end article engagement structures T1, T2can be considered to be located in the first recess R7. The flaps 170 ofthe first and second end article engagement structures T1, T2 define inpart the first recess R7 and when folded out of the plane of the toppanel 120 increase the size of the first recess R7.

The first recess R7 is arranged to accommodate the entirety of the flaps170.

The first recess R7 is defined only in the top panel 120 and does notextend into the first and second side panel 116, 124 or second and thirdbevel panels 118, 122.

The flap 170 of the first end article engagement structure T1 ishingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 171 which is oriented parallel with respect to thefold line 119 hinging the top panel 120 to the second corner panel 118.The fold line 171 is spaced apart from the fold line 119.

The flap 170 of the second end article engagement structure T2 ishingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 171 which is oriented parallel with respect to thefold line 121 hinging the top panel 120 to the third corner panel 122.The fold line 171 is spaced apart from the fold line 121.

The flap 170 of the first end article engagement structure T1 and theflap 170 of the second end article engagement structures T2 fold awayfrom each other, they are hinged in opposition to each other. The flap170 of the first end article engagement structure T1 folds towards thefirst side panel 116. The flap 170 of the second end article engagementstructure T2 folds towards the second side panel 124. A hinged edge ofthe flap 170 of the first end article engagement structure T1 defined bythe fold line 171 is disposed in closer proximity to the fold line 119than a free edge of the flap 170. A hinged edge of the flap 170 of thesecond end article engagement structure T2 defined by the fold line 171is disposed in closer proximity to the fold line 121 than a free edge ofthe flap 170.

A second recess R8 is provided in the second end of the top panel 120,the flaps 170 of third and fourth end article engagement structures T3,T4 can be considered to be located in the second recess R8. The flaps170 of the third and fourth first article engagement structures T3, T4define in part the second recess R8 and when folded out of the plane ofthe top panel 120 increase the size of the second recess R8.

The second recess R8 is defined only in the top panel 120 and does notextend into the first and second side panel 116, 124 or second and thirdbevel panels 118, 122.

The second recess R8 is arranged to accommodate the entirety of theflaps 170.

The flap 170 of the third end article engagement structure T3 ishingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 171 which is oriented parallel with respect to thefold line 119 hinging the top panel 120 to the second corner panel 118.The fold line 171 is spaced apart from the fold line 119.

The flap 170 of the fourth end first article engagement structure T4 ishingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 171 which is oriented parallel with respect to thefold line 121 hinging the top panel 120 to the third corner panel 122.The fold line 171 is spaced apart the fold line 121.

The flap 170 of the third end article engagement structure T3 and theflap 170 of the fourth end first article engagement structure T4 foldaway from each other, they are hinged in opposition to each other. Theflap 170 of the third end article engagement structure T3 folds towardsthe first side panel 116. The flap 170 of the fourth end first articleengagement structure T4 folds towards the second side panel 124. Ahinged edge of the flap 170 of the third end article engagementstructure T3 defined by the fold line 171 is disposed in closerproximity to the fold line 119 than a free edge of the flap 170. Ahinged edge of the flap 170 of the fourth end first article engagementstructure T4 defined by the fold line 171 is disposed in closerproximity to the fold line 121 than a free edge of the flap 170.

In the blank form the flaps 170 define in part free end edges of the toppanel 120. The edge portions of the top panel 120 defined by the flaps170 are arcuate or curvilinear in shape.

The flap 180 of a first intermediate article engagement structure T5 ishingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in theform of the fold line 181 which is oriented parallel with respect to thefold line 119 hinging the top panel 120 to the second corner panel 118.The fold line 181 is spaced apart from the fold line 119.

The flap 180 of a second intermediate article engagement structure T6 ishingedly connected to the top panel 120 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 181 which is oriented parallel with respect to thefold line 121 hinging the top panel 120 to the third corner panel 122.The fold line 181 is spaced apart the fold line 121.

The flap 180 of the first intermediate article engagement structure T5and the flap 180 of the second intermediate article engagement structureT6 fold away from each other, they are hinged in opposition to eachother. The flap 180 of the first intermediate article engagementstructure T5 folds towards the first side panel 116. The flap 180 of thesecond intermediate article engagement structure T6 folds towards thesecond side panel 124. A hinged edge of the flap 180 of the firstintermediate article engagement structure T5 defined by the fold line181 is disposed in closer proximity to the fold line 119 than a freeedge of the flap 180. A hinged edge of the flap 180 of the secondintermediate article engagement structure T6 defined by the fold line181 is disposed in closer proximity to the fold line 121 than a freeedge of the flap 180.

The fold lines 171, 181 are oriented substantially perpendicular to openends of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of panels 112,114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128.

The flap 170, 180 of each of the article engagement structures T1, T2,T3, T4, T5, T6 is defined in part by a cut and/or by a cutline whichseparates that flap 170, 180 from the top panel 120.

The flap 170, 180 of each of the article engagement structures T1, T2,T3, T4, T5, T6 comprises a hinged edge defined by the fold line 171, 181and free edge defined by the cut or cutline. The free edge extends froma first end of the hinged edge to a second end of the hinged edge. Thefree edge is arcuate or curved across its entire extent.

It will be appreciated that features of the embodiment of FIG. 1 may beincorporated in the embodiment of FIG. 4, for example but not limited tothe blank 110 may be modified to include the dispenser access panels D1,D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, handle apertures A4 or the wing tabs 70 b, 80 b ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 for packaging atleast one article B each having a recess. The article carrier 90comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article B andan article retention device T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 for engaging a recessof one of said at least one article B to prevent or inhibit dislodgementor unintentional egress of the article B from at least one of oppositeopen ends of the tubular structure. The article retention device T1, T2,T3, T4, T5, T6 comprises a flap 70, 80 hingedly connected to one of theplurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, said one of theplurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may be a toppanel 20. The article carrier 90 further comprises a dispenser featurehaving an access panel D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6. The flap 70, 80 ishingedly connected to the access panel D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 so as toprovide a tear initiation device for the dispenser.

The access panel D1, D2, D3, D4 is defined at an end of the articlecarrier 90. The access panel D1, D2, D3, D4 is defined in part by a freeend edge of the article carrier 90 and in part by a severable lineextending from the flap 70, 80.

The access panel D5, D6 is defined in an intermediate portion of thearticle carrier 90. The access panel D5, D6 is defined at least in partby a pair of severable lines extending from the flap 70, 80. The pair ofseverable lines are spaced apart from each end of the article carrier90.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier for packaging atleast one article B each having a recess. The article carrier comprisesa plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128forming a tubular structure for surrounding at least one article B andan article retention device T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 for engaging a recessof one of said at least one article B to prevent or inhibit dislodgementor unintentional egress of the article B from at least one of oppositeopen ends of the tubular structure. The article retention device T1, T2,T3, T4, T5, T6 comprises a flap 170, 180 hingedly connected by a hingedconnection to one of the plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120,122, 124, 126, 128, said one of the plurality of panels 112, 114, 116,118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 1288 may be a top panel 120. The flap 170, 180comprises a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection and a freeedge, the free edge extending from a first end of the hinged connectionto a second end of the hinged connection, the free edge being arcuate orcurved across or along its entire extent.

The hinged edge of the flap 70, 80; 170, 180 is disposed closer to oneof a pair of opposed side walls than the free edge in an unfoldedcondition. The flap 70, 80; 170, 180 in an operative condition foldedreverse folded into face to face relationship with an inner surface ofthe panel to which it is hinged. In the operative position the free edgeof the flap 70, 80; 170, 180 is disposed closer to one of a pair ofopposed side walls than the hinged edge. The hinged connection 71, 81,171, 181 is oriented non-parallel to an open end of the tubularstructure. The hinged connection 71, 81, 171, 181 may be obliquelyoriented to an open end of the tubular structure. The hinged connection71, 81, 171, 181 is perpendicularly oriented with respect to an open endof the tubular structure.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 for packagingat least two articles B each having a recess. The article carrier 90comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112,114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 forming a tubular structure forsurrounding the at least two articles B and a pair of article retentiondevices T5, T6 each comprising a flap 80, 180 for engaging a recess inof a respective one of said at least two articles B to prevent orinhibit movement of the articles B within the tubular structure. Eachflap 80; 180 is hingedly connected by a hinged connection to one of theplurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112, 114, 116,118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 in opposition to each other, said one ofthe plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112, 114,116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 may be a top panel 20; 120. Thearticle carrier 90 comprises a pair of handle openings defined in saidone of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112,114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128. Each handle opening may bedefined at least in part by a tab 62. The tabs 62 may be hingedlyconnected in opposition to each other. The tabs 62 and the flaps 80defined a handle H said one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18,20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128. Thehandle H is coupled or connected to the top panel 20; 120 by a pluralityof arms, the plurality of arms may comprise four arms. Each arm isdefined by a region of the top panel 20; 120 disposed between one of thetabs 62 and one of the flaps 80.

Endmost article retention devices T1, T2, T3, T4 may be located in arecess defined in, or struck from, an end of one of the plurality ofpanels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122,124, 126, 128. In this way the article retention device T1, T2, T3, T4does not increase the footprint of the top panel 20; 120 or blank 10;110.

The top panel 20; 120 comprises at least one recessed end edge to whicheach endmost article retention device T1, T2, T3, T4 is hingedlyconnected.

In some embodiments the flap 70; 170 partially defines the at least onerecessed end edge of the top panel 20; 120. That is to say the flap 70;170 does not fill or complete the recessed end edge in an unfoldedcondition.

In some embodiments the article carrier 90 comprises a pair of articleretention devices T1, T2, T3, T4 at each end of the one of the pluralityof panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120,122, 124, 126, 128 or top panel 20; 120. The pair of article retentiondevices T1, T2, T3, T4 are spaced apart from each other by a recess R7,R8 struck from or defined in an end edge of the top panel 20; 120.

The pair of article retention device T1, T2, T3, T4 may be hingedlyconnected to the top panel 20 by a respective fold line 71, said foldlines 71 being divergently arranged with respect to each other.

The flap 70; 170 is folded inwardly about a hinged connection to the toppanel 20; 120 more than 90 degrees so as to be substantially in face toface relationship with the panel to which it is hinged.

The article retention device T1, T2, T3, T4 may comprises a second foldline 73 defined in the flap 70 and forming a keel for increasing thesecurity of the article B within the article carrier 90.

The second fold line 73 may define in part a wing tab 70 b, the wing tab70 b coupled to the top panel 20 only through its hinged connection tothe flap 70.

The second fold line 73 may be arranged to converge at an end of thefirst fold line 71 to form a vertex. A cutaway 75 in the form of a cutline or severance line may separate the wing tab 70 b from the articlecarrier 90. The cut line intersects with the vertex between the firstand second fold lines 71, 73. It will be appreciated that in otherembodiments the cutaway 75 may be a slot or slit or other recess spacingthe wing tab 70 b from the top panel 20 of article carrier 90.

The article carrier 90 may be of the wrap-around type, comprising acomposite wall formed from two panels secured together. The compositewall may be a bottom wall of the tubular structure.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scopeof the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panelsand apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing sizeor shape. The illustrated embodiments show cartons or blanks for formingan article carrier of the wraparound style; in other embodiments, thearticle carrier may take an alternative format or styles and may employone or more of the features of the present disclosure.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references suchas “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”,“outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respectivepanels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish thesepanels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer toall manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitatefolding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwiseindicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to“hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring toa single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed fromtwo or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may beeither straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear foldlines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with eachother or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinearfold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other todefine a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear foldlines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pairof arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such thatthey define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may beformed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinearfold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise acombination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold linewhich intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shapedpanel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following:a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line ofperforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a singlehalf-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line ofscores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can eachinclude elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank includingperforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line ofhalf-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits,scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can bedimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. Forexample, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed withdegrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. Theline of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resistbreaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with moreeffort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment oftwo or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed ina first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in asecond of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with eachother may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thicknessof the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a firstpanel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that isplaced in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge ofthe aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of thesecond aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness ofthe first and second panels, with the second aperture.

1. An article carrier for packaging at least two articles each having arecess, the article carrier comprising a plurality of panels forming atubular structure for surrounding the at least two article and a pair ofarticle retention devices each comprising a flap for engaging a recessof a respective one of said at least two articles to inhibit movement ofthe articles within the tubular structure, wherein the flaps arehingedly connected by a respective hinged connection to one of theplurality of panels in opposition to each other, the article carriercomprises a pair of handle openings defined in said one of the pluralityof panels, the handle openings and the flaps define a handle in said oneof the plurality of panels, the handle is coupled or connected to saidone of the plurality of panels by four arms, each arm is defined by aregion of said one of the plurality of panels disposed between one ofthe handle openings and one of the flaps.
 2. An article carrieraccording to claim 1 wherein the tubular structure is at least partiallyopen at each end and a tubular axis is defined between said ends andwherein the hinged connection between the flaps and the one of theplurality of panels is parallel to the tubular axis.
 3. An articlecarrier according to claim 1 wherein the tubular structure is at leastpartially open at each end and a tubular axis is defined between saidends and wherein the hinged connection between the flaps and the one ofthe plurality of panels is oblique to the tubular axis.
 4. An articlecarrier according to claim 1 wherein said one of the plurality of panelsis a top panel.
 5. An article carrier according to claim 1 wherein theflaps are hingedly connected to said one of the plurality of panels by ahinged connection in the form of a first fold line.
 6. An articlecarrier according to claim 5 wherein the plurality of panels include apair of opposed side walls and the flaps fold towards a respective oneof the opposed side walls.
 7. An article carrier for packaging one ormore articles each having a recess, the article carrier comprising aplurality of panels forming a tubular structure for surrounding the oneor more articles and an article retention device for engaging a recessof one of the one or more articles to inhibit movement of said articlewithin the tubular structure, wherein the article retention devicecomprises a flap hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels,the article carrier further comprises a dispenser feature having anaccess panel, and wherein the flap is hingedly connected to the accesspanel so as to provide a tear initiation device for the dispenser.
 8. Anarticle carrier according to claim 7 wherein the access panel is definedat an end of the article carrier, the access panel is defined in part bya free end edge of the article carrier and in part by a severable lineextending from the flap.
 9. An article carrier according to claim 7wherein the access panel is defined in an intermediate portion of thearticle carrier, the access panel is defined at least in part by a pairof severable lines extending from the flap, the pair of severable linesare spaced apart from each end of the article carrier.
 10. An articlecarrier for packaging one or more articles each having a recess, thearticle carrier comprising a plurality of panels forming a tubularstructure for surrounding the one or more articles and an articleretention device for engaging a recess of one of the one or morearticles to inhibit movement of said article within the tubularstructure, the article retention device comprising a flap hingedlyconnected by a hinged connection to one of the plurality of panels, theflap comprising a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection and afree edge, wherein the free edge extends from a first end of the hingedconnection to a second end of the hinged connection, and wherein thefree edge is arcuate or curved across or along its entire extent.
 11. Anarticle carrier according to claim 10 wherein the hinged edge of theflap is disposed closer to one of a pair of opposed side walls than thefree edge in an unfolded condition.
 12. An article carrier according toclaim 10 wherein the flap in an operative condition is reverse foldedinto face to face relationship with an inner surface of the panel towhich it is hinged, in the operative position the free edge of the flapis disposed closer to one of a pair of opposed side walls than thehinged edge.
 13. An article carrier according to claim 10 wherein thehinged connection is oriented non-parallel to an open end of the tubularstructure.
 14. An article carrier according to claim 10 wherein thehinged connection is obliquely oriented to an open end of the tubularstructure.
 15. An article carrier according to claim 10 wherein thehinged connection is perpendicularly oriented with respect to an openend of the tubular structure.
 16. An article carrier according to claim10 wherein the article retention device is located in a recess definedin an end of said one of the plurality of panels.
 17. An article carrieraccording to claim 16 wherein the top panel comprises at least onerecessed end edge to which article retention device is hingedlyconnected.
 18. An article carrier according to claim 17 wherein the flappartially defines the at least one recessed end edge of the top panel inan unfolded condition.
 19. An article carrier according to claim 16wherein the article carrier comprises a pair of article retentiondevices at an end of said one of the plurality of panels, and whereinthe pair of article retention devices are spaced apart from each otherby a recess struck from or defined in an end edge of the top panel. 20.An article carrier according to claim 19 wherein the pair of articleretention devices are hingedly connected to the top panel by arespective fold line, said fold lines being divergently arranged withrespect to each other.
 21. An article carrier according to claim 10wherein the flap is folded inwardly about a hinged connection to saidone of the plurality of panels more than 90 degrees so as to besubstantially in face to face relationship with the panel to which it ishinged.
 22. An article carrier according to claim 10 wherein the articleretention device comprises a fold line defined in the flap and forming akeel for increasing the security of the article within the articlecarrier.
 23. An article carrier according to claim 22 wherein the foldline defines in part a wing tab, the wing tab coupled to the said one ofthe plurality of panels only through its hinged connection to the flap.24. An article carrier according to claim 22 wherein the fold line isarranged to converge at an end of the hinged connection to form avertex, and wherein a cutaway separates the wing tab from the said oneof the plurality of panels, the cutaway intersects with the vertexbetween the hinged connection and fold line.
 25. An article carrieraccording to claim 10 wherein the article carrier is of the wrap-aroundtype, comprising a composite wall formed from two panels securedtogether.
 26. An article carrier according to claim 25 wherein thecomposite wall is a bottom wall of the tubular structure.
 27. An articlecarrier according to claim 10 wherein the flap of the article retentiondevice is contained entirely within the footprint of said one of theplurality of panels.
 28. An article carrier according to claim 19wherein the flaps of the pair of article retention devices are containedentirely within the footprint of the top panel.
 29. A blank for formingan article carrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels forforming a tubular structure for surrounding at least two articles eachhaving a recess, the blank comprising a pair of article retentiondevices each comprising a flap for engaging a recess of a respective oneof said at least two articles to inhibit movement of the articles withinthe tubular structure, wherein the flaps are hingedly connected by arespective hinged connection to one of the plurality of panels inopposition to each other, the blank comprising a pair of handle openingsdefined in said one of the plurality of panels, the handle openings andthe flaps define a handle in said one of the plurality of panels, thehandle is coupled or connected to said one of the plurality of panels byfour arms, each arm is defined by a region of said one of the pluralityof panels disposed between one of the handle openings and one of theflaps.
 30. A blank according to claim 29 wherein in a setup conditionthe tubular structure is at least partially open at each end and atubular axis is defined between said ends and wherein the hingedconnection between the flaps and the one of the plurality of panels isparallel to the tubular axis.
 31. A blank according to claim 29 whereinin a setup condition the tubular structure is at least partially open ateach end and a tubular axis is defined between said ends and wherein thehinged connection between the flaps and the one of the plurality ofpanels is oblique to the tubular axis.
 32. A blank according to claim 29wherein the flaps are hingedly connected to said one of the plurality ofpanels by a hinged connection in the form of a first fold line.
 33. Ablank according to claim 32 wherein the plurality of panels include apair of opposed side walls hingedly connected to a top panel alonghinged edges thereof and the flaps fold towards a respective one of thehinged edges.
 34. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blankcomprising a plurality of panels forming a tubular structure forsurrounding one or more articles having a recess and an articleretention device for engaging the recess of one of the one or morearticles to inhibit movement of said article within the tubularstructure, wherein the article retention device comprises a flaphingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, the blank furthercomprises a dispenser feature having an access panel, and wherein theflap is hingedly connected to the access panel so as to provide a tearinitiation device for the dispenser.
 35. A blank for forming an articlecarrier, the blank comprising a plurality of panels forming a tubularstructure for surrounding the one or more articles having a recess andan article retention device for engaging the recess of one of the one ormore articles to inhibit movement of said article within the tubularstructure, the article retention device comprising a flap hingedlyconnected by a hinged connection to one of the plurality of panels, theflap comprising a hinged edge defined by the hinged connection and afree edge, wherein the free edge extends from a first end of the hingedconnection to a second end of the hinged connection, and wherein thefree edge is arcuate or curved across or along its entire extent.